Kathimerini Greece Newsroom
Wildfires have been sweeping through the western parts of Jerusalem, rekindling concerns in areas affected by similar fires last week. The blazes, fueled by high temperatures and strong winds, have spread quickly to forested regions.
In response, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has ordered the deployment of military forces to assist local firefighting efforts. The Israeli police have closed the highway connecting Jerusalem to Tel Aviv and evacuated nearby communities. Around 30 kilometers west of Jerusalem, several areas have been cleared of residents, with Israeli media showing footage of firefighters battling the flames.
BREAKING
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 30, 2025
The arson suspect in the massive fires near Jerusalem is a Palestinian resident of East Jerusalem. pic.twitter.com/E3IEgu4vLG
“We are in a state of national emergency, and all available forces must be mobilized to save lives and bring the fires under control,” Gallant said in a statement.
Due to the dangerous weather conditions, Israeli Minister of Transportation Miri Regev announced the cancellation of the main Independence Day event scheduled for this evening in Jerusalem.
The fires have forced the evacuation of at least five communities, as authorities continue to battle the spreading flames. Ambulances and medical teams are providing support near Neve Shalom and Estaal, although no casualties have been reported, according to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's emergency medical service.
A video circulating on social media, which has also been featured by Israeli media, shows flames approaching military tanks.
Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, who is overseeing firefighting efforts, visited several of the affected locations.
מנכ"ל מד"א לחדשות 12: "רמת הכוננות עלתה לגבוהה ביותר. 12 נפגעו מהעשן הכבד"https://t.co/EW5RV6ILBT pic.twitter.com/YOKgEJHnrG
— החדשות - N12 (@N12News) April 30, 2025
International help requested
Israel has reached out to several countries for assistance in combating the fires, including Cyprus, Greece, Croatia, Italy, and Bulgaria. According to the TPS news agency, Cyprus is among the nations contacted to provide support.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, responding to urgent needs outlined by the Commissioner of the Fire and Rescue Service, has instructed the National Security Council, in coordination with the Ministries of National Security and Foreign Affairs, to lead an international effort to secure firefighting aircraft.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reached out to neighboring countries for assistance, with Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Italy, and Bulgaria all being asked to lend support.
